Buyer

Aston Carter•Janesville, WI

9d•$80,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

This Buyer role focuses on sourcing and procuring components and materials that support a government-regulated manufacturing environment. The position oversees the full purchasing lifecycle, from issuing Requests for Quotes and negotiating with suppliers to administering purchase orders and ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS and Department of Defense requirements. The Buyer collaborates closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to maintain material availability, manage supplier performance, and support on-time, cost-effective program execution.

Requirements

5–10 years of comparable purchasing experience in a manufacturing or similar environment.
Previous purchasing experience in a Government Contracting environment, including familiarity with FAR clauses and government-regulated manufacturing requirements.
Experience purchasing components and managing component-level supply chains.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
Ability to understand Bills of Materials (BOMs) and how they relate to materials and components in production.
Familiarity with various commodities and component manufacturing methods.
Strong negotiation skills with a proven ability to secure favorable pricing, terms, and lead times.
Demonstrated vendor management experience, including performance monitoring and relationship development.
Excellent written and oral communication skills to collaborate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple RFQs, purchase orders, and supplier relationships simultaneously.
Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and related tools used for purchasing and reporting.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with FAR and DFARS requirements in a purchasing or subcontracting capacity.
Background in buyer or purchasing roles within government-regulated or defense-related manufacturing environments.
Exposure to or participation in supplier audits, both internal and external.
Experience coordinating closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production to support material planning and availability.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement action plans to improve supplier performance and mitigate risk.
Interest in working within a strong, mentorship-focused culture that supports professional development and long-term tenure.

Responsibilities

Generate Requests for Quotes (RFQs) to source materials and components, and monitor and negotiate with suppliers during the bid process to secure the best combination of pricing, quality, and lead time.
Prepare, place, and administer purchase orders and subcontracts, ensuring complete and accurate documentation, including source justifications, certifications, and compliance with FAR/DFARS and Department of Defense requirements.
Administer subcontracts and purchase orders to control costs, track performance, and ensure on-time delivery in support of program schedules and production needs.
Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers, clearly communicating all applicable program, company, engineering, quality, and technical specifications and holding suppliers accountable for program performance.
Lead the identification, qualification, and due diligence of suppliers, including evaluating and developing alternate sources as needed to strengthen the supply base.
Develop and implement action plans to improve supplier performance, mitigate supplier risks, and support long-term supplier relationships.
Coordinate with suppliers to manage returns and replenishment of discrepant materials, minimizing impact on production schedules and material flow.
Assist in planning and executing internal and external supplier audits to verify compliance with contractual, regulatory, and quality requirements.
Interface regularly with Suppliers, Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to maintain material availability, ensure accurate requirements flow-down, and support continuous production.
Comply with all safety regulations and maintain a clean, organized, and orderly work area.
Perform other related purchasing and supply chain duties as assigned to support overall business and program objectives.